Proof to Product 423 | Indie Retail Update: Trends, Challenges & How Buyers Are Adapting with Jen Palacio, Tiny Turns Paperie
Dec 16, 2025
Jen Palacio, owner of Tiny Turns Papery, offers insights into the world of independent retail. She discusses the operational challenges faced by shop owners, including tariffs and unpredictable buying patterns. Jen highlights the trend of 'treat yourself' purchases and the rise in popularity of planners, puzzles, and games as customers seek offline activities. She also explores the impact of shipping delays and the importance of collaboration within the indie community to enhance customer loyalty. Her practical approach to navigating the retail landscape is truly enlightening.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Erratic Customer Patterns
- Jen Palacio notices customer behavior is erratic and unpredictable this year.
- Fewer people visit stores regularly and big shopping days are less frequent than before.
Tariffs Shift Buying Timing
- Tariffs and added costs forced buyers to buy less or shift timing to beat deadlines.
- Some shops spent budgets earlier to avoid tariff deadlines, altering normal buying cycles.
Nightmare Shipping Paperwork
- Jen recounts shipments held for days asking for unexpected paperwork and sometimes returned to sender.
- She describes spending hours on hold and paying on-the-spot to retrieve shipments from carriers.